Entrepreneurship Archives

6 Principles of a Healthy Startup Culture

How does a company culture develop in a startup? How do you ensure a healthy company culture in a new business? A startup company culture develops over time through consistent positive actions, not by installing foosball tables or espresso machines. Once established, company culture solidifies and becomes very difficult to change. Therefore, it is important to keep your eye on its evolution and intervene when necessary. Here are six principles to cultivating a healthy startup culture in which staff members do their best and enjoy their jobs.

10 Essential Tips for Beginner Entrepreneurs

Do you dream of starting your own business? What are some things you should know before you take the plunge? Starting your own business to become your own boss is a dream come true for many people. The vision is exciting, but the reality is not so much: Running a business on a tight budget, making decisions, and being a jack-of-all-trades takes both an emotional and physical toll. From those who’ve been there and done that, here are 10 essential tips for beginning entrepreneurs.

The Co-Founders of 37signals Share Their Secrets

Who are 37signals? What do the company founders attribute their success to? Co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson of 37signals, a company that creates project-management software and other online management tools, believe that anyone can start and operate a business with fewer resources than they think. Based on their own startup success, they champion a simpler, cheaper, less labor-intensive way to manage any company. Here are 10 insights they gained while keeping 37signals intentionally small and lean.

Adopt a Supportive Leadership Style: Ask This Question

How to Embrace Vulnerability in Leadership

What is a supportive leadership style? What difference can it make for your team? Too often, managers control, micromanage, or rescue their employees. In contrast, a supportive leadership style wins your team members’ trust and respect—and it allows them to grow. The Coaching Habit recommends making a habit of asking one particular question. Read more to learn the question at the heart of a supportive leadership style.

Happiness and Success: Which Comes First?

What is the connection between happiness and success? Can being happy increase your chances of success? In The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor shows that happier people tend to be more successful. It’s often thought that success brings us happiness, but it’s actually the other way around. Here’s the connection between happiness and success.

The Black Hat: Thinking Like a Critic

What is black hat thinking from Six Thinking Hats? What type of thinking does the black hat represent? When should you wear the black thinking hat? The black thinking hat is one that many people are adept at using. When you wear the black hat, it’s your job to look for problems and flaws in a situation. However, this hat should not be over-used. Continue reading to learn when to (and when not to) use black hat thinking.

Exponential Thinking: Put Your Knowledge to Work

What is exponential thinking? How is it different from incremental thinking? Too often people think in incremental terms—one step at a time. With exponential thinking, however, each step is bigger than the previous step. It’s an exponential mindset that leads to exponential success. Read on to learn about exponential thinking.

The White Hat Thinking: The Impartial Hat

What is white hat thinking from the book Six Thinking Hats? What role does the white hat play? In the classic psychology book Six Thinking Hats, Edward de Bono describes the white hat as the neutral hat. The role of the wearer is to simply gather and present the facts and figures without interpreting any of the data. Continue below to learn how to wear the white hat and what the advantages are.

The 12 Business Myths From the Book Built to Last

What are the 12 business myths presented in the Built to Last book? What’s the truth about visionary companies? Bestselling author Jim Collins and Stanford professor Jerry I. Porras conducted a six-year research project to find the keys to visionary companies’ longevity and tremendous success. Their book Built to Last identifies 12 business myths and shares practical advice for those who want to build a company that lasts. Read more to learn the 12 business myths presented in the Built to Last book.

Achieving Vision Alignment: The 6 Actions You Can Take

What is vision alignment? How can you achieve it for your organization? Visionary companies create and maintain vision alignment. They infuse their core ideology into everything they do, which brings everything into alignment with their vision. It’s not easy, but there are six things you can do to achieve organizational alignment. Read more to learn about the value and process of vision alignment.